Donald W. Veneklasen, 86, of Sioux Falls, passed away Monday, January 18, 2021 at Good Samaritan Center in Sioux Falls. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Geise Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donald W. Veneklasen was born on August 20 ^th , 1934 in Hamlin County, SD, the son of John and Jane (Heitbrink) Veneklasen.  Donald was extremely proud of his service to the U.S Army, he started his service at Fort Sheridan Illinois where he became a cannoneer and then served with Battery A 599 ^th , field Artillery in Germany. Donald served just under 3yrs "honorably".  Donald's passion after the military was farming.  He helped immediate family during all seasons and never really could get enough of the John Deere green.  He was also involved with: Farm Auctions and Farm Sales where he loved being involved in auctioneering taking on the nickname the Colonel (Col).

He was a life member of VFW Post 628 in Sioux Falls and the local legion. He always said the true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.  The members he hung out with provided a sense of pride and sincere devotion to the country. Conversations over games of pool, darts, or dancing the Waltz on the dance floor reminded Donald service was a privilege.

He accomplished so many things over his shortened life in which he wrote so many fulfilling chapters: loved playing cards with family, collecting John Deere Tractors, working for the city in Brookings (25yrs), Grey Hound Van lines Delivering Furniture, construction, Pepsi and ultimately retired in Sioux Falls where he finished out his chapter with Good Samaritan Nursing Home as a resident, postal delivery man, gardener and produce salesman.  He provided smiles and always asked if you were behaving and if warranted would provide a hint of caffeine to give a boost (Copenhagen)-age didn't matter.

Donald is survived by numerous nephews, nieces and a very special friend (Shirley Lloyd).

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Jane, six sisters, Della, Florence, Beverly, Lorraine, June, Bernice, and three brothers, Robert, Leroy, and John.